Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has moved to dampen expectations at Villa Park following his side’s recent impressive run.

Persepective: Villa boss Martin O’Neill

Saturday’s victory at Manchester United completed an impressive treble following wins at Liverpool and at home to Chelsea this season and means Villa are now fourth.

But O’Neill feels his squad have their feet on the ground ahead of tonight’s match with Sunderland at the Stadium Of Light.

‘It’s important to take everything in context,’ said the Villa boss. ‘It was a fine win against United and I’m delighted we won. By winning at Old Trafford, I am sure it will give players a bit more confidence.

‘But I’m sure the players are totally aware the Sunderland game will be just as difficult. Just because we won at Old Trafford doesn’t mean we can win anywhere.

‘I don’t want to play it down. It was a great win for us, the first time at United for 26 years, but I don’t think the players will get too carried away with it. I think you saw that.’ Villa hit a sticky patch after beating Chelsea – drawing with Wolves and Everton and losing at West Ham – and will be keen to capitalise on their Old Trafford success, rather than slip into another rut.

‘I can’t prevent the way people will speculate on things,’ O’Neill added.

‘You look at certain results and draw some conclusions which I know are a million miles from the real aspect.

‘To beat Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United is really fine and pretty exceptional but, as a consequence, you raise expectations.

‘You lose a couple of games and people think you’re sliding down the table again. Things have to be put in perspective.’

Villa needed penalties to beat the Black Cats in last month’s Carling Cup tie on Wearside and O’Neill said: ‘It will be tough [tonight]. Sunderland are very strong at home.’